The University of Pécs stands as a beacon of academic tradition in Central Europe, holding the title of the oldest university in Hungary (founded in 1367). For prospective students, particularly those looking to study medicine and health sciences, understanding the University of Pécs world ranking is a crucial step in making an informed decision about their future.
In the ever-competitive landscape of global higher education, rankings serve as a vital barometer for quality, research output, and international reputation. This guide delves deep into the performance of the University of Pécs (PTE) in the latest 2026 global rankings, with a special focus on its prestigious medical school. Whether you are searching for the latest QS position, THE standings, or specific subject rankings for MBBS programs, this article gives a complete, data-driven, and humanized overview to show why Pécs is rising on the international stage.
A Legacy Forged in Stone: An Introduction to the University of Pécs
Before diving into the numbers and league tables, it is essential to understand the institution behind the statistics. The University of Pécs is not just any university; it is a historical powerhouse. With its roots tracing back to 1367 under King Louis the Great, it is the oldest university in Hungary and one of the oldest in Europe . This deep history provides a unique cultural atmosphere that blends modern educational techniques with centuries-old traditions.
University of Pécs World Ranking: The 2026 Performance Overview
In the world of academia, two names carry the most weight when it comes to global rankings: Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and Times Higher Education (THE) . The University of Pécs has shown remarkable consistency and improvement in both for the 2026 cycle, solidifying its position as the 5th best university in Hungary overall .
QS World University Rankings 2026
The QS rankings highly regard academic reputation and employer perception. In the 2026 edition, the University of Pécs achieved a significant milestone by climbing into the 741–750 band worldwide .
This is a steady upward trajectory from previous years:
- 2024: 771–780 band
- 2023: 801–850 band
Key Highlights from QS 2026:
The University of Pécs didn’t just move up the overall ladder; it excelled in specific metrics that matter most to students. According to the official announcement, PTE ranked highest among all Hungarian universities in two critical categories:
- Learning Experience: This reflects the quality of teaching, student-to-faculty ratio, and the overall academic environment.
- International Students: This measures the university’s success in attracting talent from across the globe, confirming its reputation as a welcoming and diverse study destination .
Rector Attila Miseta commented on the achievement, noting that the university improved its score in all nine evaluation criteria compared to the previous year, with significant progress in reputation indicators, internationalization, and sustainability .
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026
THE rankings evaluate universities using a rigorous methodology that focuses on teaching, research, citations, industry income, and international outlook. In the THE World University Rankings 2026, the University of Pécs maintained a strong presence, placing in the 1001–1200 band globally .
While the band remains stable, the internal performance tells a story of growth. The university was evaluated across 18 performance indicators grouped under five main pillars. Dr. Dániel Kehl from the UP Faculty of Business and Economics highlighted that research productivity and research quality showed strong growth, with improvements in citations, research capacity, and excellence .
Furthermore, PTE excelled in industrial relations, particularly regarding patents, and continued its strong performance in internationalization indicators .
University of Pécs Medical School Ranking: A Top Performer
For students searching for “University of Pécs world ranking” specifically for medical studies, the subject-specific rankings are far more relevant than the overall university score. This is where the University of Pécs truly shines.
In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for Medical and Health, the University of Pécs achieved a phenomenal rank of #447 globally .
This places the medical school firmly in the top 500 in the world, a remarkable achievement that underscores the quality of education and research at the facility.
The Climb to Top 500
The progress of the medical school has been rapid and impressive:
- 2023 & 2024: Ranked in the 501–600 band.
- 2025: Jumped to the 401–500 band, specifically landing at 447th place .
This leap of over 120 places in a single year is a testament to the hard work of the faculty and researchers. The THE subject ranking methodology heavily weights the reputation of research (19.3%) , citation impact (17.5%) , and the reputation of teaching (17.3%) . Pécs improved in all these areas, particularly in the research environment and industrial relations, signaling that it is not just a teaching hospital but a serious research institution.
National Recognition
This global success is mirrored at home. In national rankings, the University of Pécs Medical School (UP MS) has consistently been rated as the top or second-best medical faculty in Hungary, often competing neck-and-neck with the prestigious Semmelweis University in Budapest. It has been ranked second overall among all higher education institutions in Hungary and has taken the top spot among Hungarian medical schools in various evaluations .
Why Study MBBS in Hungary at Pécs?
The global recognition reflected in the University of Pécs world ranking translates into real-world benefits for students, especially those pursuing a General Medicine (MBBS equivalent) degree.
1. Globally Recognized Degree
A degree from the University of Pécs Medical School is recognized worldwide. It is accredited by the Hungarian Accreditation Committee and meets the standards of medical councils and licensing authorities across Europe, the United States (after USMLE), Asia, and the Middle East. Graduates are eligible to sit for licensing exams in most countries and can practice medicine internationally.
2. English-Taught Programs
The medical school offers full-time programs in English for:
- General Medicine (M.D.) : A 6-year program.
- Dentistry (D.M.D.) : A 5-year program.
- Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) : A 5-year program.
- Biotechnology (BSc/MSc) .
This removes the language barrier for international students, allowing them to study in a European Union country without needing to learn Hungarian before admission (though Medical Hungarian is taught during the course) .
3. Affordable Tuition Fees
Compared to Western European or North American universities, the cost of medical education in Pécs is highly competitive. For the academic year 2026/2027, the tuition fees are structured as follows :
- General Medicine: $16,750 per year.
- Dentistry: $17,350 per year (includes cost of dental materials).
- Pharmacy: €8,400 per year.
The cost of living in Pécs is also significantly lower than in Budapest or other major European capitals. In fact, The Campus Advisor ranked Pécs as the most liveable university city in Europe for “value for money” regarding the cost of living, climbing to 14th place overall in their 2024 rankings .
4. High-Quality Education and Facilities
The ranking positions are a direct reflection of the quality inside the classrooms and labs. Students learn from experienced professors and have access to modern facilities. The strong performance in “learning experience” in the QS rankings confirms that student satisfaction and educational quality are top priorities .
Admissions, Requirements, and Life as a Student
Understanding the University of Pécs world ranking is the first step; the next is figuring out how to get there. The University of Pécs is described as an “averagely selective” institution with an acceptance rate ranging from 50% to 59% . For the Medical School, the admission process is specific and merit-based.
Admission Process for Medical School
Unlike many universities that rely solely on high school grades, Pécs requires prospective medical students to pass an entrance exam .
- Application Fee: $200 (non-refundable).
- Entrance Exam Fee: $250 (if taken in Pécs).
- Exam Format:
- Written: Multiple-choice questions in Biology (20 questions), Chemistry (20 questions), General English (40 questions), and Medical English (20 questions).
- Oral: A 20-30 minute interview with a university professor to assess motivation and spoken English, including questions on Biology and Chemistry .
- Intake: There is only one intake per year, in September .
Student Life and Accommodation
Pécs offers a safe, student-friendly atmosphere. The university provides dormitory accommodation, primarily for students who require a visa, with rooms typically shared by two students . The city itself, a former European Capital of Culture, is rich in history, with Turkish minarets, Roman ruins, and a vibrant cafe culture, providing a perfect backdrop for the intense years of medical study.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the current University of Pécs world ranking in 2026?
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, the University of Pécs ranks in the 741–750 band globally. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, it ranks in the 1001–1200 band .
2. What is the ranking of the University of Pécs Medical School?
For Medicine and Health, the University of Pécs is ranked #447 in the world according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Subject Rankings 2025 .
3. Is the University of Pécs good for MBBS?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for MBBS. It is the oldest university in Hungary with a top-500 global ranking for medicine, offers affordable tuition, has a high number of international students, and its degree is recognized globally. It is consistently ranked as one of the top medical schools in Hungary .
4. What are the tuition fees for MBBS at the University of Pécs?
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the tuition fee for the General Medicine program is $16,750 per year .
5. Does the University of Pécs teach medicine in English?
Yes, the Medical School offers full-time programs in English for General Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy .
6. Is an entrance exam required for admission to the Medical School?
Yes, admission is solely based on performance in a written and oral entrance exam covering Biology, Chemistry, and English. High school grades are not considered in the admission decision .
7. How many international students study at the University of Pécs?
The university is home to more than 4,000 international students, contributing to its high score for internationalization in global rankings .
Conclusion
The University of Pécs world ranking tells a compelling story of an ancient institution that is dynamically modernizing and competing on a global scale. With its consistent climb in the QS rankings to the 741-750 band and its impressive leap to #447 globally for medicine in the THE subject rankings, Pécs offers a unique combination of historical prestige and future-focused education .
For aspiring medical students, the data is clear: Pécs provides a top-tier, internationally recognized medical degree at an affordable cost in a vibrant, student-friendly city. It is a place where the past and future meet, offering a launchpad for a successful career in medicine.
Whether you are drawn by the high research output, the excellent student-to-faculty ratio, or the diverse, welcoming community, the University of Pécs stands as a testament to Hungarian higher education’s rising quality. If you are looking to study MBBS abroad, let the rankings guide you—Pécs is undoubtedly a destination worth considering.
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